To predict peak season from the colors, use these guidelines:
- Dark Green/Little to No Change=peak is three weeks to a month away
- Light Green/Starting to Change=peak is approximately two to three weeks away
- Yellow/Approaching Best Color=peak is approximately one week away
- Orange/Best Color=foliage is peaking this week
- Red/Starting to Fade=still some nice color but won’t last more than a few more days
- Brown/Past Peak=all or nearly all color is gone
Statewide Fall Foliage Overview
Colors in Pennsylvania forests are relatively unchanged from last week due to markedly stable day-to-day weather that
included persistent mist, light rain, and clouds. It seems the acceleration of color change due to prevalent dryness
entering the fall foliage season has been mostly offset by the recent wet and moderating temperature pattern. The best
viewing opportunities are currently found in southwestern and northeastern Pennsylvania.
Northcentral Region
Beaver Run, Moshannon State Forest District. (photo by C. Gulvas)
Foresters in Moshannon State Forest (serving Clearfield and parts of Elk and Centre counties) said the region’s forests are approaching best color, with peak expected to arrive in northern hardwood species roughly around 10/11.
Sweet birch, yellow poplar, sassafras and maples are very close to peak color. American beech and oaks are still green, providing a nice contrast.
A leisurely drive along Caledonia Pike, Lost Run Road and Quehanna Highway provide excellent viewing opportunities. Be sure to stop at the Beaver Run viewing area for a great view!
Foresters in Tiadaghton State Forest (serving Lycoming County) reported more yellow foliage has appeared in the district. Most trees are just starting to change, with oaks still a dark shade of green. Peak is about two to three weeks away in the region.
Foresters in Elk State Forest (serving Elk and part of Cameron County) said the area continues to show early stages of foliage change.
Many of the sugar maples have completely dropped their leaves after 12 straight days of rain and fog. Sassafras, black gum and black birch are currently showing the best color.
Some red maples are showing attractive shades as well. The East Branch and Clermont areas are dense with maple and birch and would make a nice drive to view the changing leaves.
Peak color is expected by the middle of October, with oak forests to follow about two weeks later.
Foresters in Tioga State Forest said the area is approaching peak, with yellow the dominant bright color. Many maple leaves are already down.
Sporadic color can be observed along the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Peak is expected in approximately one week.
The Loyalsock State Forest Recreation Forester (serving Lycoming, Sullivan, Bradford counties) said foliage in the northern part of the district is approaching best color.
Bright shades are showing on maple, birch, tulip poplar and beech, with oaks still green and providing good contrast.
All state forest vistas in the district are beginning to show some nice colors. Peak foliage for most of the area is estimated to be within the next two weeks.
Foresters in Sproul State Forest (representing Clinton County) said area forests, which are dominated by oaks, are still in early stages of change. Peak is expected in two to three weeks.
Foresters in Susquehannock State Forest (serving Potter County) said northern hardwood forests are approaching peak in the northern two-thirds of the district.
A drive on Route 6 will reveal some pleasant autumn colors, especially with the finally brightening skies.
Colorful mountainside near the headwaters of McKinnon, Elk State Forest District. (photo by S. Johnson)